Sporting Portugal warmed up for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Lens by coming from behind to win 3-1 at Braga, ending a run of two league draws and moving into second place in Portugal.
Lens had also returned from the international break with a lift, beating Lyon 2-1. But their next European opponents arrive in northern France after a sharp response of their own on Friday night.
Sporting recover after unusual opener
Braga, sixth in the Portuguese league, took the lead four minutes before half-time when Sporting goalkeeper Rui Silva put the ball into his own net.
The visitors found their way back after the interval. Luis Suarez levelled in the 66th minute before another goalkeeper own goal changed the match again five minutes later, with Braga’s Bernardo Fontes credited with the decisive mistake.
Rodrigo Salazar then made the result safe in the 82nd minute, sealing a 3-1 Sporting victory.
Lens await on Tuesday
The result follows two consecutive league draws for Sporting and gives them second place in the table, although they have played one match more than some of their rivals.
Lens will host Sporting on Tuesday in the Champions League, with both sides entering the tie after important domestic wins.
